Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018).

4(1): 10-17

International Journal of Current Research in

Medical Sciences
ISSN: 2454-5716
P-ISJN: A4372-3064, E -ISJN: A4372-3061
www.ijcrims.com

Review Article Volume 4, Issue 1 -2018

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22192/ijcrms.2018.04.01.002

Varmam therapy in Siddha System of Medicine

Dr. S. Karthik Nagarajan*, Dr. A. Vasanth Miltonraj**,
Dr. N. J. Muthukumar***, Dr.P.Samundeeswari****, Dr. V. Mahalakshmi***,
Prof. Dr. V. Banumathi*****
*PG Scholar, Dept. of Sirappu Maruthuvam, National Institute of Siddha,Chennai-47
**Asst. Medical Officer (Siddha), Govt. Hospital, Vathalagundu, Dindukal (Dist)
***HOD (i/c) Dept.of Sirappu Maruthuvam, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai-47
**** Lecturer, Dept. of Sirappu Maruthuvam, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai-47
*****Director, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai-47
Corresponding Author: Dr. S. Karthik Nagarajan
PG Scholar, Dept. of Sirappu Maruthuvam
National Institute of Siddha, Chennai-47 Tamil Nadu, India
E-mail: drkarthiksiddha2016@gmail.com

Abstract

Varmam medicine is the unique pride of Siddha System of Medicine gifted by the Siddhars for the welfare of
mankind.Siddha medicine, one among the ancient indigenousystems of India, has a repository of classical
formulations as internal medication and various other unique techniques/therapies as external usage. Varmam is one
among such therapies used to treat multiple ailments, especially related to musculoskeletal and neurological deficits.
Sometimes, varmam therapy is used along with internal medications and external applications as well.

Keywords: Varmam, Siddha Medicine, Varmamtherapy, Marmam, Eedu

Introduction external therapy in Siddha System of Medicine.

Varmam is a siddha science that aims to fulfill the
cultural, spiritual and medical needs of humanity.
Life energy circulates human body in three forms
like vatham, pitham, kabam. The dwelling or
resting places of life energy are called varmam
points. When we stimulate the varmam points
with appropriate pressure, it produces a clear
therapeutic efficacy. Varmam treatment is an
It’s purely anatomical and is introduced by
Siddhars for the human’s wellbeing. Specific
anatomical complex parts of the body are
stimulated in Varmam treatment. These points are
manipulated over superficial nerves, vessels, bony
prominence, soft tissues, or their junctions. These
energy points when hit by any external forces will
cause severe illness. In fact Siddhars used these
energy points for curing the illness.

10
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17
These points are stimulated either by giving
pressures in circular manner or in pointing way
constantly. Here Pulling certain muscles and
tendons, blows, punch over certain areas of the
body are executed. Treatments like
corticosteroids, Acromioplasty, Arthroscopic
subacromial decompression techniques,
intralesional injections into the subacromial space
are available1, but permanent cure is a difficult
one or at least consumes considerable time period.
The Varmam treatment is much effective in
orthopedic disorders like lumbar disc problems,
cervical disc problems, Shoulder Impingement
Syndrome, etc. Also, Varmam therapy consumes
only a minimal time and efforts. In fact Siddha
Varmam treatment requires no special
instruments.
Varmam Points
The places where the vaasi energy resides and
activates both body and life-energy are Varmam
points. These points are located in the junctions of
nerves, naadis, muscle and bones9. They are bio-
energetic sites which aid physiological functions
of the body.
History of Varmakalai
It is believed that Lord Shiva the first siddha
taught the art of Varmam to his son Murugan. The
lineage extends to Siddha Agathiar, Nanthidevar
and their disciples. Most of the Varmam texts
available in Tamil language were written in the
name of Siddhas Agathiyar, Thirumoolar, Bogar,
Therayar, Romarishi, Ramadevar. Varmam art
has been sustained and nourished for centuries by
the tradition of aasan (the master) and disciple.
The master would take up the responsibilities of
passing his own verified, experimental and textual
knowledge to his trusted student who would
continue the same process down the line. This art
survived and strengthened its roots through this
process for centuries and still exists even today on
the Same Principle.
11
Classification of Varmam
There are two kinds of classification. One is based
upon region wise distribution (Kandam -5) and
the other is based upon chakraas (Aadharam- 6).
In both kinds, the total number of Varmam points
is said to be 108 in number. The number of
Varmam points located in upper limb is 15, lower
limb is 14, below the navel is 9, above the navel is
45 and above the neck is 25.
Varmam points are the places which activate,
regulate, supplies energy and functions according
to the body needs. The Varmam text
“VarmaVilvisai” enumerates 8000 Varmam
points and Kumbamuninarambarai describes 251
points14. Most of the Varmam texts enlist 108
Varmam points of which 12 are paduvarmams
and 96 are thoduvarmams.
VarmaChinthamani explains there are 828
varmam points which are situated in three regions
(kandam) of the body. i.e., Vatha region which
constitutes navel to foot and contains 190
varmams, pittha region includes the area between
navel and base of the neck comprises 366
varmams, silaethuma region includes the region
above the head containing 182 varmams and 90
varmams are included in thondham15.
Paduvarmams are the varmam points which are
directly connected to brain energy16 and serve as
major energy storage points. According to
“Pingala nigandu17”, the word ‘padu’ means
brain. Thoduvarmams are the varmam points
which are connected to paduvarmams. The word
‘thodu’ refers to touch. It means through the act
of touch, one varmam point gets connected to
another varmam point. Each paduvarmam is
connected to eight thoduvarmams i.e., 8 x 12 = 96
Thoduvarmam. They serve as minor energy
storage points. The total number of Varmam
points which accounts to 108 comprises two
terminologies Varmam and Kaalam. The word
Varmam refers to static energy and the term
Kaalam refers to kinetic energy 14.
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17

Other types of Varmam mentioned in the texts are
vathavarmam (64), pithavarmam(26),
silaethumavarmam(6)18.Varmam literatures also
describes patchivarmam (varmam related with
astrology-panjapatchi), odukki varmam19,
thattuvarmam etc.,
Historical evidences of Varmam
We can get reference of varmam from
`Tholkappiam’. This is an ancient text which is
the base for grammar in Tamil language and
literature period of (5000 BC- Tholkappiam) use
the term `ValiAatral’.  There are nearly 120
books in various titles available in the name of
varmam.  Around 30,000 verses speak about
varmam and its units.  Most of them are
available in palm leaf name scripts. All these texts
have names from the heritage of siddhars–
Agasthiars, Bogar, Ramadevar, Thirumoolar,
Theraiyar.
Varmam therapy with help treats Breathing
problems, Bonesdislocation. Nervous disorder,
Heart diseases, Eye problems, Digestive
Problems, Joint pains, Varmam therapy is low –
cost solution for major diseases in humanity.
varmam therapy is a first line of treatment for
many health problems, Saving hard-earned
money, resulting in zero side effects. Varmam
Stimulation for Diseases.
Varmam Stimulation for Diseases
The Varmam points are energy storage points
which traverse through particular energy channels
or streams. Proper stimulation of Varmam points
helps in treatment of diseases. One who knows to
apply varmam in a proper method by analysing
the Vatham, Pitham, Kabam imbalance can treat
diseases.

Specialty of Varmam
Varmam therapy for Azalkeelvayu (Osteoarthritis)
S.No Varma points Location
rd
1. KannadyKalam Middle Of Upper 1/3 Of Nasal Bridge
2. MootuVarmam Middle Of The Popliteal Fossa
3. VeeraAdangal In The Semi Tendinous Tendon
4. KudhiraimugaVarmam Over The Patellar Tendon
5. ChippiMunaiVarmam Medial Border Of Scapular Region
6. Adappakalam Lateral wall of the thorax
7. VilanguVarmam Depression Below The Middle Of The Clavicle
8. Komberikalam Middle of the leg along the medial border of tibia
9. ViruthiKalam At The Level Of Distal End Of First Meta Tarsal Bone

Varmamtherapy for Kumbavatham (Periarthritis)

S.No Varma points Location
1 MudichuVarmam At The Junction Of C7 & T1
2 ChavvuVarmam In The Medial Border Of The Humerus
3 KavuliVarmam In The Web Between The Thumb And
The Index Finger
4 KakkattaiKaalam In The Middle Of The Supra Clavicular
5 ManibandhamVarmam Middle Of Wrist In The Flexor Aspectof
6 ManjadiKalam The Index Finger
7 PiradharaiVarmam Posterior Axillary Fold
8 YenthiVarmam Deep To Anterior Axillary Fold
9 KanthariVarmam One Finger Below Axilla In Medial Aspect Of The Arm
10 Puja Varmam In The Shoulder Pit Lateral To Acromian Process
11 KirayalVarmam Middle Of Medial As pect Of Arm
12
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17

Varmam therapy for the Thandagavatham (Lumbar Spondylosis Lumbar& Disc Bulge)

Mukkaalmaaththirai

Arai maathirai

Orumaathirai

S,No Varma Points Location

Energy Tracts That Travel From Foot To
1 Idakalai&Pinkalai The Low Back Region Through Viruthi,
Komberi, To Reach Nangana Pootu
2 In The Sub Occiput Medial To Mastoid
PorchaiVarmam
Bone
3 VeeraAdangal In The Semi Tendinous Tendon
4 Anna Kalam One Finger Above The Umblicus
5 At The Junction Of The Thigh And
Poovadangal
Gluteus
Middle Of The Leg Along The Medial
6 KomberiKalam
Border Of Tibia
7 At The Level Of Distal End Of First Meta
ViruthiKalam
Tarsal Bone
8 At The Commencement Of Triceps Surae
MannaiAdangal
Muscle.
9 UllthodaiVarmam Middle Of Medial Aspect Of Thigh
10 Mel Mannai Between The 2 Heads Of Gastronemius
11 UllangalVellai Meeting Point Of Two Balls Of Sole

13
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17

Scale of Maathirai (Varmam pressure)

Varmam for Sirasthampavatham

S.No Varmam Points Location

1 KauliKaalam It lies in the first web space at the junction of the
bones of the thumb and the index finger.
2 NadukkuVarmam It is located at the center of towards the child’s wrist
the back side of the hand in aupward fashion.
3 Kondaikolli This point located on the vertex of the head
4 Nervaramam This point Ten fingers below from the pit of the
neck.It lies on the Xiphi sternum (Solar plex) of the
chest.
5 Seerungkolli It lies six fingers from Kondaikollai at the back of the
head,on the mid-line.
6 Pinkannadikaalam It lies one finger above ending of the skull at the back
of the head,on themed-line.
7 Andakaalam It lies between the genital organ and the anus
i.e the perineum
8 Ullangaichakkaram This varama is present in both the palms.
9 Pathachakkaram This varmam is located at the center of the sole in the
foot.
10 Chavvuvarmam It lies four fingers below the shoulder joint on the
inner side of the arm.
11 Komberikaalam It lies 8fingers above the ankle on the inner side of the
leg.
12 Vilanguvarmam This point lies in the pit on the chest,below the collar
bone meets the shoulder bone.
13 Adappakaalam It lies 13 fingers from Nervarmam to the right and left
mid clavicularline ,on the flanks.
14 Pallavarmam Itlies two fingers in below the xiphoid processin
between right and left side 7th intercostal area.
15 Annakkaalam It lies on one finger above the umbilicus.
16 Ottuvarmam This varmam point lies in the pit below the chin.
17 Thilarthakaalam It lies at the junction between the eyebrows (Glabella)
and the nose.
18 Shruthivarmam It lies 2 fingers below the seerunkolli and finger to the
right.
19 Kanpugaichalvarmam Its lies 1 finger below the right and left outer ankle
(lateral malleolus.
20 Chunnabukaalam It lies 3 fingers above the earlobe (Pinna).
21 Thaadaithadaval Massage from upper portion of ear (pinna) to lower
jaw and do rotation on ottuvarmam.

14
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17

Varmam points for other Musculo Skeletal Writer’s cramp – mozhipiralgaivarmam,

Disorders kavulikalam, soodotharivarmam,
adimootuvarmam
Calcaneal spur - mudichuvarmam, Tennis elbow - mootuvarmam, vilvarmam,
uppukutrivarmam pattradang
Muscle cramps – mannaiadangal Sciatica & foot drop-Intially for first two days
Kondaikolli, Porchaikalam

Varmam Points for (Annamaya Kosam Related Diseases) Alimentary Tract Disease

S.No Varmam Points Location Illness

1 Annakkaalam It lies on one finger above the umbilicus Peptic ulcer/Loss of
Appetite
2 Pallavarmam It lies two fingers in below the xiphoid Pebtic ulcer/Hiccup
processin between right and left side 7th
intercostal area

3 Nervarmam This point Ten fingers below from the pit of Hiccup/To arrest
the neck.It lies on the Xiphi sternum (Solar Vomiting
plex) of the chest.
4 Balavarmam It lies on Midpoint of Nasal septum Constipatiom
5 A)Chavvuvarmam A)It lies four fingers below the shoulder joint To arrest Vomiting
B)Vaayukaalam on the inner side of the arm.
B) It lies on T12 Vertebrae

Varmam Points for (Athi & Kuraiumilneersurappunoikal) Hyper /Hypo Salivation

Head Massage Its lies on Superior Hyper Salivation

Poigaikaalam helix temporal bone.
Head Massage It lies on external Hyposalivation
Pidarikaalam occipital
protuberance

Varmam Points for (Pakkavatham)Hemiplegia

1. Kondaikolli
2. Chunnaampukaalam
3. ChavvuVarmam
4.KavliKaalam/KomperiKaalam

S.No Varmam Points for Facial Palsy Varmam Points for (Valippu Noi)
(Mugavatham) Epilepsy
1 SanniVarmam PorchaiKaalam
2 NatchaththiraKaalam KavliKaalam
3 KanpukaichalVarmam KomperiKaalam

15
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17

Varmam Points for (Niththiraiyinmai) Insomnia Varmam Points for (Athiniththirai) Hypersomnia
Varmam Points for To boost (Ninaivaatral) Memory Power

S.No Varmam Points for Insomnia Varmam Points for Varmam Points for
Hypersomnia To boost Memory
Power
1 Kondaikolli KanpukaichchalVarmam UllangaivellaiVarmam
2 Puruvavarmam NatchaththiraKaalam NattelVarmam
Varmam Points for (Pirukkanoikal) Genito Urinary tract Disease

S.No Varmam Points Names Benifits

1 Valampurikaalam/ EdampuriKaalam ToControlNocturnal Enuresis
2 KallidaiKaalam To evacuate post –voidal Urine
3 Valampurikaalam/EdampuriKaalam
Varmam Points for (Magalir) Gynaecological Diseases

S.No Varmam Points Names Benifits

1 PallaVarmam Menorrhagia,Dysmenorrhoea
2 ChevikutriKaalam
3 Kondaikolli Infertility
PallaVarmam
Kumbagamudichu
Siriyaaththisurukki

Varmam Points for Diabetes Mellitus

S.No Varmam Points Names First line of Treatment
1 Urumikaalam/ThummiKaalam
2 Urumikaalam/ThummiKaalam Second line of Treatment
VaayuKaalam/AamaiKaalam
Nanganaapoottu
Varmam Points for Thyroid Hormone Disorders (VeethaNoi) Opthalmic(NethiraNoi) Related
Diseases/Ear (KarnikaNoi) Related Diseases
S.No Thyroid Hormone Disorders Varmam Points Benfits
1 Kondaikolli/UthiraKaalam Hyperthyroidism
2 Kondaikolli/SumaiVarmam Hypothyroidism
Varmam Points for Opthalmic Related Diseases
1 Kondaikolli /PuruvaVarmam/Kaampotharikaalam Refractoty errors of Eye
2 Kondaikolli/ManthiraKaalam/ShuruthiVarmam Glaucoma
Varmam Points for Ear Related Diseases
1 Chevikurrikaalam/Poigaikaalam Loss of Hearing
2 Chevikurrikaalam/Poigaikaalam/kurriVarmam Tinnitus

Conclusion serve public wherever the emergency /first aid

Varmam is an eminent external treatment ,Which
is a branch of Siddha Medicine.It is a precious
boon for Public by the Siddhars.Varmam
treatment is cost effective and Could be done to
16
required and also treat many diseases. In Present
Scenario, the Varmam treatment stepped into
research activities,clinical trials moving towards
the milestone successfully.
 Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. (2018). 4(1): 10-17

Acknowledgements 6. Shunmugom N, Renuka.(2008) Medical

Varmalogy, Arts Research institute.
The author wishes to express her sincere gratitude 7. Mohanaraj T. (2010) Varma
to Dr. S. Sugunthan MD (Siddha) Varmam Sarasoothirathiravukool -36, ATSVS Siddha
Expert, National Institute of Siddha Chennai-47 Medical College and Hospital Publication. 8.
and Faculties My Colleagues Dept. of Sirappu Anonymous, (2007) Varmathoguppu, Dept of
Maruthuvam National Institute of Siddha and my Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy
Beloved brother Dr.V.M. Karthic PG Scholar, Publication.
Dept.of Nanju Nool, National Institute of Siddha 8. Thiagarajan R. (1976) Varmavithi, Arulmigu
,Chennai-47 Tamil Nadu India. PalaniThandayuthapani publication, Palani.
9. Thiyagarajan R. (1995) Siddha
References MaruthuvamSirappu, Dept of Indian Medicine
and Homoeopathy Publication.
1. Uthamarayan K.S. (2006) Siddha 10. Shunmugam N,(2016) VarmaMaruthuvam-
MaruthuvangaSurukkam, Dept. of Indian AdippadaikKalviKaiBhagam –SeiBhagam
Medicine & Homoeopathy Publication. ,ThirumoolarVarmalogy Institute
2. Sugunthan et al. 2016 Greentree Group © 11. Maheshwari&Mhaskar (2015) Essential
IJAPC 2015 Greentree Group © IJAPC Int Orthopaedics, Jaypee brothers Medical
J Ayu Pharm Chem 2016 Vol. 4 Issue 3 Publishers (P)Ltd
3. Mohanaraj T. (2007) Varmanithanam – 350, 12. Kananrajaram T. (2007) Tetchana
ATSVS Siddha Medical College and Hospital moorthykaviyam, Fundamentals of Varma
Publication. medicine, ATSVS Siddha Medical College
4. Mohanaraj T. (2007)Varmasara nool-16, and Hospital Publication.
ATSVS Siddha Medical College and Hospital 13. Boyle-Walker KL, Gabard DL, Bietsch E,
Publication. Masek-VanArsdale DM, Robinson BL. A
5. Mohanaraj T. (2010) VarmaSootchasootcham profile of patients with adhesive capsulitis. J
-100, ATSVS Siddha Medical College and Hand Ther 1997; 10(3):222-8.
Hospital Publication. 14. R Alagappan (2014), Manual of Practical
Medicine, Jaypee brothers Medical Publishers
(P)Ltd ISBN:978-93-5152-316-1

Access this Article in Online

Website:
www.ijcrims.com

Subject:
Siddha Medicine
Quick Response Code

How to cite this article:

S. Karthik Nagarajan, A. Vasanth Miltonraj, N. J. Muthukumar, P.Samundeeswari, V. Mahalakshmi, V.
Vasanth Miltonraj, Banumathi. (2018). Brief Discrimination of Varmam in Siddha System of
Medicine. Int. J. Curr. Res. Med. Sci. 4(1): 10-17.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22192/ijcrms.2018.04.01.002

17